The Wilkes Team

During our time in Colorado, Daddy and I were able to visit some neat parks and mountains. Our first stop on the trip was Colorado Springs. We spent 2-3 days visiting the area. One mountain that we went on was Pikes Peak. It is 14,115 feet tall and is the most visited mountain in North America (the second most visited in the world). We took a 1.5 hour ride on a cog train to the summit. There are only two cog trains in the United States. They are used because of how steep the mountains are. No other train could safely climb to the summit. On our trip up, we sat next to an elderly Christian couple who live in Missouri on a large farm. Hearing about their farm made us look forward to living in the country one day.

Because of the high altitude, we could not stay on the mountain top for more than 45 minutes. Otherwise we would begin to get sick. The weather was much cooler (even in August), but the views were dramatic. There is no way such a beautiful scene could of been formed by evolution.

O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength: lift it up , be not afrad; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Isaiah 40:90 

8 Comments » | posted in Family News, Outdoor Adventures

In our house when boys reach the age of 12, Daddy begins preparing them for manhood. A few weeks ago Daddy and I flew to Denver, Colorado for a Father and son retreat with Vision Forum. The retreat took place at the ’Crooked Creek Ranch.’ The purpose of the trip was to strengthen my relationship with Dad and for me, as the next 12 year old, to learn how to be a Godly young man.

While up there, we listened to Godly Fathers such as Doug Phillips, Pastor Scott Brown, Pastor Brown’s Father (a WWII vet), Lew Sterrett, and others. Mr. Phillips encouraged us to spend time asking questions and listening to the stories of our Daddy’s lives. 

During the retreat, Daddy and I went on a mountain bike ride. The mountain which we road up went quite high. The views were beautiful.

Lew Sterret was my favorite speaker. He trains horses and relates the process of training horses to the Christian walk. I enjoyed watching and learning. I am grateful for the Godly young men in my life and appreciate their examples.

Details on the rest of the trip will be coming soon.

8 Comments » | posted in Family News, Outdoor Adventures

Just recently Daddy took the boys down to our 90 acres to go camping with some other fathers and sons. This was an Alert cadet campout. God provided beautiful weather, which we had prayed for fervently. While down there, we played some exciting games, sat around the fire, sang songs, practiced shooting guns, and learned about edible plants.

The most important thing I remember was, spending time with Daddy.  I had a great time walking with him in the woods and looking at God’s creation.It was encouraging to see other fathers and sons working on projects, and cooking, and just being together. God truely blessed our time out there. It was a great memory. Thank you Daddy for making it a wonderful time.

3 Comments » | posted in Family News, Ministry Reports

Last week I began to draw a maze. While I was doing it I really had to keep the lines pretty clear. John 14:6 says, “I am the way the truth,and the life no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” There is only one way to get through the maze, just as there is only one way to heaven. That way is Jesus Christ. So have fun doing it.

5 Comments » | posted in Family News

One cold, rainy afternoon last week, Daddy and Mommy took Sarah, Adam, Hannah, Markie and I to Frying Pan Park in Reston, VA. It is a historic farm from the early 1900s. We all got out of the van while the wind and rain hit against us. Because of the bad weather, we were the only ones there, but this made it extra special. We quickly ran to the animal barn where it was warm and dry. While there, we saw goats, lambs, piglets and calves which were just 5 to 10 days old. A farmer came in who was the manager there. He fed the animals and cleaned the hoofs of two horses. After awhile they brought in two milking cows which we helped milk. This adventure inspired us for the day we may be able take care of farm animals!

3 Comments » | posted in Family News, Farming 101

While the girls and dad were away last week, Adam and I decided to put up a long rope about 10-15 feet high between two trees. Our goal was to go from one tree to the other using our hands, with out falling. But the idea failed. The rope made our hands hurt, and we would fall down before we got to the other tree.

Soon Joshua came and said we needed some help. He went under the deck, while Adam and I thought what he was going to bring out. He then came out with a pvc pipe which was about 1 1/2 inches wide. Joshua put about 8 inches of pcv pipe on the rope, and put the rope on a slant. Matthew and Daniel were a big help. They tightened the rope for both of the ‘zip’ lines. Adam and I took turns wrapping our hands around the pipe and flew down the rope as if we were on a real zip line! But we could not do it too many times because the rope would wear out. It was neat seeing everyone work so well together.

7 Comments » | posted in Outdoor Adventures